A Peverell church is getting a starring role on a festive edition of Songs of Praise.

The team behind the religious programme were touched by the story of minister Andrew Gardiner, who is currently battling cancer, and the support he has had from his congregation at Hope Baptist Church.

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He's now had to take the heart-breaking decision to step down as minister - which makes his Songs of Praise appearance a fitting farewell.

"I've been minister there for 14 and a half years and my wife and I just love being minister and wife of the church and serving some 250 people," Andrew said.

Hope Baptist Church, Peverell Park Road "I took the decision with great sadness. I can’t ask the church to go on for 18 months like this without knowing what’s happening. It was massively disappointing and the support we’ve had from people in the church has taken us through."

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"We’re not leaving, I can do ten hours a week. As someone who has offered palliative care you can support someone for a few weeks or months, but it’s very hard to be there for them for 18 months - to stay with them for that journey.

"I had to think of my health, but we love the church and they love us."